Waterdrop Hinge Module for Foldable Display Stress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge modules for foldable portable terminals have complex structures, large components, and a significant thickness at the folding part, leading to potential damage and foreign matter infiltration, and struggle to form a waterdrop shape effectively.
Innovation Solution
A waterdrop-type hinge module with a base body, first and second levers, lever links, swing plates, slide levers, and slide blocks that allow the folding center of a flexible display to form a stable waterdrop shape using a simple structure and fewer components, ensuring the display is protected during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional hinge modules are used, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex with many components and large thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple hinge components into a unified hinge module structure where the first lever, second lever, swing plate, and flexible display are combined. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the folding function, directly addressing the complexity issue while improving reliability through a more integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module is segmented into functional zones: the first lever for initial folding motion, the second lever for waterdrop shape formation, and the swing plate for display support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional hinge modules are used, then folding is enabled, but foreign matter infiltration and impact damage occur due to large gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The swing plate is designed to contact the flexible display before complete folding occurs, providing preliminary support and cushioning. This prevents foreign matter infiltration and impact damage by maintaining a protective barrier throughout the folding process, enhancing reliability without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the folding part forms a waterdrop shape, then damage and load concentration are prevented, but existing hinge modules cannot perfectly implement this shape
Solution Approach 1:
The second lever is designed with asymmetric geometry that specifically guides the flexible display to form a waterdrop shape during folding. The asymmetric structure creates the narrow top and wide bottom configuration needed to prevent stress concentration, achieving the desired shape with a relatively simple lever design rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module utilizes curved surfaces and rotational motion to form the waterdrop shape. The swing plate rotates to create the curved profile of the waterdrop shape, distributing stress evenly and preventing damage to the flexible display while maintaining a simple structural design.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple hinge structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the waterdrop shape cannot be formed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The first lever and second lever are pre-configured in the hinge module assembly to automatically guide the flexible display into the correct waterdrop shape during the folding process. This preliminary configuration ensures precise shape formation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or high-precision manufacturing tolerances, easing manufacturing while maintaining precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hinge module enables stable formation of a waterdrop shape, preventing damage to the flexible display and improving durability while reducing complexity and enhancing productivity and assemblability.
Implementation Method 1
a lever link that connects the pair of first levers separated from each other to synchronize rotational motion of the pair of first levers
Implementation Method 2
the slide blocks are pulled out from the slide levers and slide while being rotated together with the swing plates
Implementation Method 3
Outer circumferential surfaces of the one ends of the first levers have respective cam grooves which are obliquely formed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a waterdrop-type hinge module for a foldable portable terminal and a foldable portable terminal using the same, particularly, to a waterdrop-type hinge module for a foldable portable terminal that curbs damage to a flexible display by forming a folding part of the flexible display into a waterdrop shape when the unfolded foldable portable terminal is folded, and a foldable portable terminal using the same.